Press Release

Fair Elections Statement on New York State of the State Address

Fair Elections for New York responds to Governor Cuomo’s State of the State Address:

“On the heels of shrinking the LLC loophole, Governor Cuomo has taken a bold and necessary next step by including a small-donor matching system in his Executive Budget. More than any other reform, establishing a public campaign finance system would give everyday New Yorkers a voice in Albany, increase participation across the state in our political system, and restore public trust in Albany.

“Leader Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Heastie and the majority of their party’s legislative colleagues have long supported this key reform, and have already demonstrated their commitment to taking quick action to fix Albany and improve our election systems. We urge them both to place small-donor matching systems in their respective one-house bills. With the only barrier to passage in past years now removed, we expect the Governor, Senate and Assembly to pass a final budget with comprehensive campaign finance reform, centered around a small-donor matching system.

“While Congress has introduced similar legislation, Washington remains at a standstill. Now, New York has a chance to lead the nation in creating truly free, fair, and open elections system.”

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New Yorkers deserve a responsive, accountable government. Voter turnout in New York is among the lowest in the nation, due in part to antiquated procedures for registration and voting that discourage participation. And our campaign finance system favors the wealthy over everyday, working New Yorkers. To tackle the crises we face in housing, living wage jobs, criminal justice, affordable health care, transportation, climate, fair taxes, and more, we must transform a campaign finance system that advantages the interests of the few over those of the many.